Daryl

Biggest concern I would have over cost is whether the contractor carries proper insurance and licensing etc. and can provide several references from local sources. Figure this person is upgrading your complete wiring system and providing the permits. Materials would probably run you $400.00 to $500.00 for 200AMP box, Mast assembly and breakers plus permit. Add your time for finding and purchasing . Now deduct that amount from $1600.00. Labor in my area (Ohio) just for the 200 AMP panel upgrade runs $900.00 to &1100.00. Get three quotes from qualified people check the refs and then make your decision on pricing. If he's qualified and has excellent references, it would sound reasonable to me. Just my two cents..................

wannabebuilder

My Utility charges $250 Fun Tax for any panel over 175 amps. You might check on that. I've replaced 3 panels with 200 amp Sq D Homeline panels. The hardest part by far is pounding 2 grnd. rods 8-10 feet into the ground!
2nd hardest part is just buying all the little odds & ends pcs. that you need.
But the most difficult part is your wife being w/o electricity for 2-3 days. probably worth $5K not to listen to that!
You can do it for $300 - $400 though if your cheap like me.

petey_racer

Why in the world would you be out of power for three days???

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cjtursi1

Square Eye is correct about the cost of material rising as much as 3 times,and not just on electrical,lumber and steel is up also.1600 is a good price,but the job should be done in 1 day if the electrician is seasoned and knowledgable-check him out well first.

glennjanie

I agree with Pety Racer on this one. Even if it does take more than one day, a jumper wire can be run from the old panel to the new one to keep power on all circuts except the one being worked on at any given time.
Glenn